Ludwig van Beethoven's "Piano Sonatas 27-29" is a captivating collection of live performances, released on November 17, 2020, under the Altair label. This album showcases three of Beethoven's most renowned piano sonatas, each offering a unique blend of technical brilliance and emotional depth. The sonatas are performed with a sense of urgency and passion, bringing Beethoven's compositions to life in a way that is both powerful and intimate.
The album begins with the Piano Sonata No. 27 in E Minor, Op. 90, a work known for its expressive and dynamic contrasts. The first movement, "Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck," sets the tone with its lively and expressive character, while the second movement, "Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorgetragen," offers a more lyrical and introspective mood.
Next is the Piano Sonata No. 28 in A Major, Op. 101, a sonata that is both playful and profound. The first movement, "Etwas lebhaft und mit der innigsten Empfindung," combines a sense of liveliness with deep emotional resonance. The second movement, "Lebhaft. Marschmäßig," is a march-like scherzo that adds a touch of humor and energy. The third movement, "Langsam und sehnsuchtsvoll," is a slow and yearning adagio, while the final movement, "Geschwind, doch nicht zu sehr, und mit Entschlossenheit," brings the sonata to a close with a sense of determination and resolve.
The album concludes with the monumental Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-Flat, Op. 106, also known as the "Hammerklavier." This sonata is one of Beethoven's most challenging and rewarding works, featuring a complex and demanding first movement, "Geschwind, doch nicht zu sehr, und mit Entschlossenheit," a lively and playful scherzo, a slow and contemplative adagio, and a final movement that is both triumphant and exhilarating.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes, this album offers a comprehensive exploration of Beethoven's piano sonatas, showcasing the composer's genius and the performer's skill. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of Beethoven, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
